Leading security company NetDefense has been appointed by Oracle South Africa as the first value added distributor (VAD) in the local market. As such, NetDefense will play a vital role in Oracle's strategy within the South African market and bolster the support for Oracle solutions in the territory.
Part of South Africa's largest IT distribution group, MB Technologies, NetDefense is a newly established business focused on the gaps that exist in the local market in terms of security.
"Many South African businesses set security aside as an optional expense or an add-on," says NetDefense's Roberta Carello. "NetDefense is focused on building up the security business in South Africa with the belief that much education is needed locally in terms of security. The company provides multiple products in the space, and obviously Oracle is the most predominant brand amongst these."
Carello says the company also has substantial training facilities and is aimed at providing value added training to the local market.
"We also have a certification programme for products and consulting forms part of our professional services division," she adds.
Carello says that Oracle is vital to NetDefense's strategies. NetDefense will be putting dedicated account managers into place that are focused on Oracle solutions, while offering account management on behalf of partners.
"As a value added distributor NetDefense will be able to provide front-line support for Oracle solutions," she explains. "So reseller customers can use NetDefense as a one stop shop for Oracle, while we leverage our relationship with Oracle in the back end."
Carello says that as a VAD, NetDefense will add ease in the channel for customers who are unable to deal with Oracle directly. The company will also play a communicative role between Oracle and the channel.
"Security is a vital component of IT strategy," says Ike Ngwena, director of channel and alliances for Oracle South Africa. "Resellers in the local market are in need of enhanced knowledge regarding security products and how to implement them. As such, Oracle has appointed NetDefence as a value added distributor to play a facilitating role in bolstering local knowledge and focus in and on security."
"We believe that NetDefense has a sufficient local reach to fulfil this role," she continues, "and we will extend that reach by working with them on our local reseller and customer base."
Ngwena says that the local IT market is growing rapidly and showing great opportunities for vendors who have a solid presence in South Africa.
"Oracle believes that South Africa is prospering and local economic growth is creating huge possibilities for companies that are committed to the market," explains Ngwena. "Oracle will continue to grow its local presence and offer value to our local resellers and customers, as is the case with the appointment of the first South African value added distributor."
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